What are Wales' chances of making it to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?

Since 1958, when they reached the quarter-finals under Jimmy Murphy, Wales haven't made it to a World Cup event.

Wales stand at the brink of achieving something they haven't in over six decades: potentially clinching a second-place finish in Group E, which might secure them a ticket to Qatar next year.

Recently, Wales clinched essential points with a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic and a 1-0 triumph over Estonia. This places them in third position, on equal footing with the second-placed Czech Republic, but with an extra game to play.

While theoretically possible, Wales topping Group E and directly qualifying for the 2022 World Cup is highly improbable. Belgium sits comfortably five points ahead with two matches left, one of which involves Wales, the anticipated underdogs when facing off in Cardiff next month. A second-place finish still seems within reach, but it requires Wales to gather more points from upcoming matches against Belarus and Belgium than the Czechs manage against Estonia. Four points would assure a second-place finish for Wales, though three might do if goal difference favors them over the Czech Republic. betting tips for the World Cup Bookies have pegged Wales and the Czech Republic neck and neck, both at 5/6 odds, for a spot in Group E's top two, as per the offerings from online betting firms.

For Europe, thirteen slots in the following year's World Cup are up for grabs. Group winners take ten, while the last three spots go to playoff victors among ten second-place teams and two highest-ranked Nations League winners who don't secure a top-two finish in their qualifying groups. bookmaker Paddy Power Twelve teams enter these playoffs, divided into three groups of four. After two knockout rounds, the triumphant three teams secure their tournament placement for the coming year.

Group E Top 2 Finish Odds
Wales	5/6
Czech Republic	5/6

How Qualifying Works

Should Wales earn at least four points from their remaining two matches, they will secure a playoff spot. It's also conceivable for them to qualify by amassing three points, contingent on surpassing the Czech Republic in goal difference.

Given Wales' Nations League group victory, they're well-placed to enter the playoffs even without finishing in the top two slots. They're trailing only behind France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain among the Nations League group winners, so if at least three qualify via group stages, Wales can proceed to the playoffs from third place.

What Do Wales Need To Do?

Reaching second would be favorable for Wales, ensuring a home fixture for their playoff semi-final, a privilege for the six highest-ranked second-place finishers.

An automatic World Cup entry remains a distant dream for Wales, a group that includes Belgium always promised a tough journey. Still, the playoffs offer a shining opportunity, whether secured by second or even third position. Those two critical knockout games could bring Wales back to the World Cup after over 60 years, potentially a more dazzling feat than their semi-final run in the 2016 Euros.

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